People always ask me if I ever get lost whenever I venture out into the great outdoors. My honest answer is always, “Yep.” Then again, I get lost at the mall.

The great thing about exploring the wild side of Florida is that you never have to go very far from civilization. You can wander aimlessly and discover the great unknown, or you can follow someone who knows what the heck they’re doing.

Whether it’s hiking, biking, or paddling around, here are a couple of places that can help you satisfy your wanderlust while knowing where you parked your car.

Adventures in Florida

These guys can set you up with guided kayak and canoe tours of the beautiful Winter Park Chain of Lakes, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, the Blackwater Creek, which flows through cypress swamps and the Wekiva River near Apopka, Florida. This is a great way to check out alligators, black bears, and other Florida wildlife. They also offer Full Moon Kayak tours and overnight camping tours.

If you want to be your own tour guide, but prefer at least a general direction on where to go, Seminole County has what you need with over 60 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Pick up part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs from the panhandle to the Everglades and cuts through Lake Mary.

If you’ve never been on an airboat ride, you gotta add it to your bucket list. Airboats are awesome because they can float across the shallowest of waters, giving riders a unique view of all kinds of Florida wildlife. Plus, they are fast! These guys are located halfway between Daytona Beach and Orlando. They go through Lake Harney and Lake Jesup — home to more alligators than just about anywhere else in North America — so you KNOW you’re gonna see some gators.

So, if you’re wanting to take a walk on the wild side, but don’t want to venture too far into unchartered territory, it never hurts to follow the beaten path — and ask for directions. Even when you’re at the mall.

Let’s be honest, the great outdoors has been upstaged lately by the comfy and plugged-in environment that is the modern American home. So, for you parents who want your kids playing outside like you did growing up, this can be an uphill battle....